Devote Yourselves to Prayer
The Daily, Practical, Christian Life • Sermon • Submitted
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Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
Introduction
Introduction
Paul is nearing the end of his letter to the believers in Colossae. He has been exhorting them and encouraging them to live a life worthy of the Gospel.
In chapters 1 and 2, he reminded the believers of the glorious truths concerning their salvation, particularly focusing on the person and work of Jesus Christ. But in chapter 3, he focused in on the implications of the Gospel for daily life.
In other words, the Gospel is not merely head knowledge. Rather, the Gospel radically transforms hearts and minds. I would suggest to you that the Gospel transforms us as we obtain an awareness of particular truths. But it also transforms us from within, as the power of the Spirit works in us to apply these truths to our own lives.
The life of the Christian ought to be radically different, distinct from the world. That should come across in terms of relationships. How we as Christians relate to one another, how we speak to one another, how we act towards one another, should be very different to what is seen in the world.
I won’t delve further into the details of that right now, but the reason that I remind us of these things is that it has a bearing on that verses that we’ll be considering this evening.
Our text this evening is a call from Paul to the Colossian Believers to Devote themselves to prayer. And I would suggest from the outset that without this critical element of prayer, the rest of the exhortations and encouragements would be of little value.
As we consider this call to prayer, I want to emphasize the fact that Prayer will enable the Christian to live out the rest of the exhortations and encouragements that have been outlined. What I mean by that is that God will use prayer as the means by which He enables Christians to assimilate and appreciate the truths of the Gospel.
And God will use prayer as the means by which He brings to effect the kind of character that we’ve been looking at in our study of Colossians 3.
In other words, Prayer is absolutely essential if we are going to be putting into practice all that Paul has encouraged and exhorted through these verses.
As we look at these three verses, there are four things that I’d like us to note about prayer through Paul’s encouragement to the church.
Prayer Requires Devotion
Prayer Requires Attentiveness
Prayer Involves Gratitude
Prayer Fuels Evangelism
1. Prayer Requires Devotion
1. Prayer Requires Devotion
As Paul begins this section in Colossians, he urges the believers in Colossae to be "devoted" to prayer. He says to them, “Devote yourselves to prayer!”
This is a truly important exhortation to Christians. We know what it means to pray. And I think we all understand something of the challenge of praying. It is something that most of us struggle to engage in. We really have to apply ourselves to it in order to pray well.
Paul’s instruction here is for these Christians to devote themselves to prayer, which suggests a consistent and persistent commitment to communication with God through prayer.
John Newton, the 18th-century Anglican clergyman and hymn-writer, is reported to have said: "I cannot remember the time when I did not pray; but I fear I have too often prayed without fervor and devotion."
Perhaps that has been your experience too.
But Paul has a deep understanding of just how important prayer is for the Christian life. There are a number of reasons why devotion to prayer is such an important factor in our lives as Christians.
Firstly, we must keep in mind that prayer is an important means of communication with God. For Paul, prayer was a way to communicate with God, to express his needs and desires before God, and to seek His guidance and direction.
Andrew Murray said…
"Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. It is an acknowledgement of our dependence upon Him."
Prayer is also the means by which we may draw near to God. As we grow in our faith, and as we seek to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, it is through prayer that we do this. John Piper has said:
"Prayer is the way we draw near to God and learn to love Him. It is the way we open ourselves to His will and ways."
Prayer is also the expression of our utter dependence upon God. In a world that is often uncertain and unpredictable, prayer is the expression of our trust in God and our reliance on His character and His promises. It is the expression of a deep trust in God to work in us that which we are unable to work in ourselves.
Now, consider this in the context of the exhortations that we’ve been looking at in Colossians 3. Consider the character qualities that are to mark the Christian, and just how far removed those character qualities are from the person without God’s grace. But the reality is that if we fail to pray, we cut ourselves off from the very power of God that is needed to live in that manner.
If we would put aside all anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from our mouths (Col.3:8) then we need the power of God to do this.
If we would have a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, just as God forgave us (Col.3:12-13) and if we would clothe ourselves in love (Col.3:14) and allow the peace of Christ to rule within our hearts (Col. 3:15) then we need the power of God.
That power of God is granted through prayer.
22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
Very possibly, one of the reasons that we fail to see genuine progress in our lives as Christians, the reason that we are often weak and ineffective in our Christian testimony, and in life and example, is because we are failing to humble ourselves before God and ask Him for that which is truly according to His will.
When Paul writes here about devotion to prayer, he is not speaking about being devoted to asking God for the next nice toy or gadget or item of pleasure. He’s calling upon believers to devote themselves to seeking the Lord in order that the Spirit of Christ may truly dwell in them, that the power of sin may be broken, and that true godliness may flourish in their hearts!!
Let me pose a question to you now… are you devoted to prayers in which you earnestly plead with God for Christ to be perfected in you?
Do you regularly, persistently, urgently plead with God to transform your heart’s desires, and the character of your life, such that you put Christ on display because the Fruit of the Spirit has been cultivated in you?
This is high a calling, but an urgent one!!
2. Prayer Requires Attentiveness
2. Prayer Requires Attentiveness
Christians are told by Paul to be "watchful" in their prayer.
What does Paul mean here? There are a couple of things that we should note in this regard.
Firstly, Paul is urging the Christians in Colossae to be on guard against distractions or other obstacles that might hinder their prayer. Prayer is always challenging, as we’ve already noted. In this context of a call to “devotion to prayer,” Paul is urging the Christians to carefully watch that they do not become distracted, or weary, or have things draw them away from this devotion to prayer.
What draws you away from meaningful, urgent prayer?
Social media and the Internet
Television and streaming video
Smartphones and other mobile devices
Work or school-related tasks and responsibilities
Personal relationships and conflicts
Financial concerns and money management
Health problems or physical discomfort
Leisure activities and hobbies
Travel and busy schedules
Political or social issues and events
All kinds of things could distract us from prayer. Paul urges the Christians to be watchful.
Beyond this, it's possible that Paul is specifically cautioning against spiritual attacks or temptations that might try to derail the believers' commitment to prayer.
Satan and his forces are certainly at work, and we must not think that there will not be a concerted effort to undermine our efforts to prayer. Satan will seek to capitalize on those things that lead us to distraction. He will use them, place them in our path, present the temptation to us, and we will follow and walk down a path of distraction.
Further to this, Paul must have had in his mind a concern for the well-being of the church as a whole. In other words, these relational concerns that he’s been addressing in Colossians 3 would be undermined if Christians are not watchful, and do not present these concerns to God in prayer, and ask for the leading and guiding of His Spirit to keep them united as a body.
The same word is used elsewhere in Scripture, and calls us to be on our guard for the sake of God and His Kingdom purposes.
31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
In these verses we see a clear and consistent call to watchfulness and alertness as Christians.
Overall, the exhortation to be "watchful" in prayer suggests a sense of attentiveness and focus, as well as a willingness to persevere in prayer even when it is difficult or inconvenient.
Thirdly...
3. Prayer Requires Gratitude
3. Prayer Requires Gratitude
The believers are also told to be "thankful" in their prayer. It’s striking to see the emphasis, even through this letter, on the importance of gratitude for the Christian.
Paul began his letter telling the Colossian believers that he (and his co-authors of this letter) always thank God when they pray for the Colossian believers (Col.1:3).
In Colossians 1:12, Paul said that he prayed for the Colossian believers to be those who gave thanks to the Father.
In Colossians 2:7, Paul said that he desired this church to be those who are “overflowing with thankfulness.
In Colossians 3:15, Paul instructed the Colossian believers to “be thankful.”
Two verses later, in Colossians 3:17, Paul said…
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Gratitude ought to be the natural disposition of of the Christian...
Matthew Henry wrote:
"Gratitude is the fruit of the Spirit, and the evidence of a gracious state. As the tree is known by its fruit, so the state of a man's heart is known by his thankfulness." - Matthew Henry
Think about that for a moment, and the consider that in light of the prayers that you offer up to God. Are you prayers bathed in expressions of genuine gratitude towards God.
In light of all of the mercies of God, and the glorious Gospel of our salvation, gratitude is the response that ought to mark our lives.
Now, these are not just the words of Paul to the Colossians. This is a common theme in the New Testament. Giving thanks to God is an important part of the Christian life, as it acknowledges that all blessings and good things come from God.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says:
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances, even when things may be difficult or challenging. God has charge over every circumstance, and the Christian knows that even the most challenging and trying circumstances are the gracious mercies of God at work for you ultimate good. Why would you not give thanks!
Philippians 4:6 says:
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Thankfulness should be an integral part of our prayers, as we bring our needs and concerns to God. Even in those times when anxiety seeks to overwhelm us, gratitude in prayer is a fitting response.
Ephesians 5:20 says:
20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christians are to be giving thanks to God for all things, not just the good things that happen to us.
We see in all of these passages, the emphasis is on the importance of expressing thankfulness to God in prayer. Thankfulness is a way of acknowledging that all good things come from God and that He is worthy of our praise and gratitude.
Now, consider for a moment all that Paul has been exhorting these Christians in Colossae to do. How he’s encouraged them to treat one another, and to relate to one another. I would suggest to you that this manner of relating to one another in kindness, humility, respect, gentleness - all of these can only really flow out of a heart of gratitude.
I appreciate the comments of William Hendriksen here. He writes:
Colossians and Philemon 4:2–4
It is worthy of note that the apostle wedges his admonitions to particular groups (3:18–4:1) in between two reminders to give thanks to God (2:17 and 4:2), as if to say, “Wives, husbands, children. fathers, slaves, masters, obey these instructions spontaneously, prompted by gratitude for the many blessings received.”
Indeed, even as we pray with gratitude in our hearts, and express that gratitude to God, the call to live a particular manner of life will become all the more spontaneous. Gratitude fuels joy and contentment. It’s really not possible to be thankful and the same to discontent.
So, Paul’s third exhortation to Christians regarding prayer is that is must be marked by gratitude.
4. Prayer Fuels Evangelism
4. Prayer Fuels Evangelism
In verse 3-4, Paul makes a special request to the Christians in Colossae to pray for him and those proclaiming the Gospel.
3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
Paul immediately urges Christians to pray for him and the other apostles and evangelists of the day as they seek to spread the Gospel. Paul knew that prayer was not just something reserved and necessary for the struggling Christian. It was critical for the cause of the Gospel.
Notice Paul’a requests in this regard…
Firstly, that God may open a door for their message. The message (also called here the “mysteries of Christ” refers to that which was once concealed, but now revealed since the coming of Christ. And Paul longs to make that message known!
The "door" that Paul mentions could refer to a door such as an invitation to speak in a specific place, or it could be a figurative way of saying that Paul and his colleagues need help finding ways to share the message of Christ. Most likely it’s emphasis is on the first part.
But keep this in mind. Where was Paul as he wrote this letter? He was in prison. Even then, would he not have been praying for an opportunity for the Gospel to be carried forth in prison?
When Paul was under house arrest, what did he do? He preached. He taught the Gospel!!
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Nonetheless, as much as Paul was bold and zealous for the proclamation of the Gospel, he also knew that prayer was a critical facet in terms of the Gospel going out. And for prayer, he needed the support and labours of the church. And so he asks this church (as he did many others) to pray for him and the ministry.
The final thing that Paul asks in this regard is that the believers would pray that he might "proclaim it clearly," which suggests a desire to communicate the message of the gospel effectively and with integrity.
Paul is concerned not only about the message that is proclaimed in terms of its content, but also the delivery of the message - how it is conveyed.
Paul asks them to pray that he would speak clearly. His desire here is that the message would be properly and effectively proclaimed. That it would not be confusing and unhelpful to his hearers, but rather that it would prove helpful.
It would include a desire for appropriate boldness in his prayers, that he would say all that needed to be said without fear or restraint.
On the other hand, it would include the desire to say all of this graciously and wisely. He wants to proclaim it winsomely.
Importantly from all of this, Paul needs and asks for the prayers of the church. Their prayers were never to be focused merely on themselves and their own needs. They must have a heart for the proclamation of the Gospel.
Application and Conclusion
Application and Conclusion
Here are a few suggestions for how Christians today might respond to and put Colossians 4:2-4 into practice:
1. Make prayer a priority. The verse says to "devote yourselves to prayer," which suggests a consistent and persistent commitment to communication with God through prayer. Christians today might consider setting aside specific times each day for prayer, or establishing a regular prayer routine.
2. Be watchful in prayer. Christians can strive to be attentive and aware of their own needs and the needs of others, as well as being on guard against spiritual attacks or temptations.
3. Be thankful in prayer. We ought to regularly be expressing our gratitude to God, and this gratitude should only increase and overflow all the more as we ponder God’s grace towards us. In our prayers, we must acknowledging God’s multitude of blessings and provisions for us.
4. Pray for the spread of the gospel and the success of ministry. Christians can pray for opportunities for the gospel to be shared and for the success of ministry efforts. This might include praying for missionaries and other Christian workers, as well as for opportunities to share their own faith with others.
5. Pray for clarity in communicating the gospel. Christians can pray that they will be able to effectively and clearly communicate the message of the gospel to others. This might include praying for opportunities to share their faith and for the right words to say in those situations.
Overall, the key is to make prayer an integral part of one's life, and to approach it with a spirit of watchfulness, thankfulness, and a desire to see the gospel shared and ministry efforts succeed